Conduct of Invited Guests and Hosts
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Lk 14:1, 7-11
1On
a sabbath [Jesus] went to dine at the home of one of the leading
Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
7He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. 8“When
you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at
table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may
have been invited by him, 9and the host who invited both of
you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then
you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 10Rather,
when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the
host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
Places of honor. The
Gospel speaks of the code of conduct when it comes to any celebration.
And the conduct must involve humility. One should not presume that he is
a very important person deserving a seat at the presidential table, the
one for the guests of honor, the choicest portion, the center of
attention and applause.
Jesus
tells us to be humble—we should always think of ourselves as equally
lowly with other people. We must realize that we are all created by God
with equal human dignity. Since we are just stewards of God’s creation,
we should never be self-seeking or presumptuous. It is God who makes
things happen, who grants success and recognition, and who exalts us
when we humble ourselves. True honors come from God. We should be aware
of our humble status before God.
Why is it hard to be humble?
Do you practice humility
in your dealings with other people?
How do you recognize false humility?
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